Located by a lake in Puncak Alam, this off-the-beaten-track café is the go-to-spot for coffee lovers in the surrounding area and others who happen to know about it.
The café has a tent-like set up with twinkling lights and bamboo and wooden seats. These, coupled with the view of the lake, make one think of a nice postcard picture.
The place is owned by Nik Muhammad “Aizu” Aizuddin, 31, and Wan Muhammad Harith Shah, 30.
“We both love coffee and camping and we mixed the two ideas together for Kem Kopi,” Harith told FMT Lifestyle.
According to Aizu, they opened in August 2022 with a 10-by-10 canopy, and just two tables and four chairs!
But they were determined to succeed. As testimony to this, the cafe expanded over the next two years to become what it is today.
“We’ve always had the dream of becoming businessmen, but didn’t have the chance to until our late twenties,” Aizu said.
It was through their love of outdoor activities that they discovered the spot. “This was actually one of my fishing spots,” Aizu said.
It was a risky move. They both already had stable jobs and were married.
However, they felt it was time to take the plunge before seeing increases in their commitments. They used their last salaries as capital to get the café off the ground.
They even mixed the cement on their own to make the café’s platform base and built the tents using their camping experience.
The star of their menu has always been coffee, and they have maintained a minimalist approach for the food section, offering small dishes and sides.
FMT Lifestyle sampled some of the recommended beverages and snacks and thoroughly enjoyed it.
A must-try for adventurous coffee lovers is the Kopi Butter and Kopi Peanut Butter. The former goes down smoothly and will be easy to enjoy even by those who have never fancied coffee. The Kopi Peanut Butter, however, is an acquired taste but worth a try all the same.
Other options include Pandan Gula Melaka Latte and Caramel Latte.
Take note that you can opt for either Arabica or coffee from local suppliers for any of your coffee orders.
You can also try the refreshing Strawberry Lemon Tea, lemonade, sodas or matcha-based drinks.
Feeling peckish? The Otak-Otak and Pepes Set or Roti Sosej are the go-to snacks to accompany your beverages here. For something more filling, try the alfredo fettuccine, where the chilli flakes provide a striking balance between creamy and spicy.
Some might say the café is too obscure to attract a crowd, but Aizu and Harith are content with their spot, commenting that they see potential in Puncak Alam.
“At first,” Aizu said, “we planned to use this as a stepping ground for us to quit our jobs and start a business, but this place has evolved into something for the community.
“Many customers are regulars and pretty much everyone knows everyone.”
They have what they call “acoustic nights” on Fridays and Saturdays, during which the cafe’s manager entertains patrons with his guitar.
“We welcome up-and-coming small local bands to come over to experience performing in front of a crowd and to gain exposure,” Aizu said.
Follow Kem Kopi on Instagram and TikTok.
Kem Kopi
Jalan Astana 13/2,
42300 Puncak Alam,Selangor
Opening hours:
3pm-11pm (Sundays-Thursdays)
4pm-12am (Fridays and Saturdays)
Contact: 018-229 2989
For location, click here.